Crew Member Shares Mental Health Struggle After Wave of Online Abuse After Historic Trip

A pioneering space traveler has publicly detailed her emotional downturn after enduring a “tsunami of harassment” in the wake of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

The 34-year-old activist – known as a researcher and activist – was part of the brief journey to space in the spring, which also included well-known figures.

The high-profile flight was heavily criticized by some, who challenged its value and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the experience, the astronaut, who was celebrated as the pioneer for her community, stated the vicious response overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I said the emotional pain might endure for years,” the astronaut shared in a public message, referring to a supportive conversation from a fellow crew member in the period after the flight.

She characterized the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an “onslaught no human brain has evolved to endure”.

“I did not leave Texas for a week, unable to get out of bed,” she wrote. “A month later… I had to hang up… because I could not speak through my tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in female health science and operated research during the flight, said every professional achievement – including her scientific research and astronaut training to the historic significance of her heritage – was overshadowed under the deluge of sexist vitriol.

She is widely recognized for her pioneering work protecting the rights of survivors of assault.

Her own dream of becoming an astronaut was paused after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a long campaign for accountability.

A Path to Recovery

Now, eight months after reaching space, she has stated the “fog of grief has started to lift”, and she thanked the well-wishers whose kindness pulled her through. “Your support rescued me,” she affirmed.

She concluded that despite the negativity, important benefits had come out of the experience, such as increased focus on her women's health research and new advocacy opportunities.

Flight Details

The fully automated spacecraft departed its launch site in April, carrying the historic roster on a 11-minute journey that exceeded the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The team of pioneers also included leaders in multiple disciplines.

The venture behind the flight is a commercial aerospace company established by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.